Evaluating dental vocational training: how does Scotland compare to the rest of the UK?

Key Points Currently it is not known how mandatory assessment in postgraduate vocational training programmes influences the professional and personal development of dental trainees. This study furthers an understanding of the effect of different UK dental training and assessment formats. The results of this study can inform the development of future dental education programmes in the UK. Background UK dental graduates complete a 12-month vocational training programme, but only in Scotland is there mandatory assessment. Aim To evaluate the effect of mandatory assessment. Method Pragmatic experimental design. UK dental trainees (Cohort 1: 2003-2004; Cohort 2: 2004-2005; Cohort 3: 2005-2006) completed questionnaires assessing stakeholder-identified clinical and non-clinical outcomes pre- and post-training. Results Response rate = 84%: Scotland (n = 247); other UK (n = 308: 156 (England) + 102 (Wales) + 50 (Northern Ireland)). Compared to other UK trainees, trainees in Scotland were significantly more confident in clinical skills (F(1,555)= 15.49, p